Piazza di Spagna

In the city of famous piazzas, the Piazza di Spagna may very well be the most famous. It is often seen as synonymous with the Spanish Steps, the long outdoor staircase that leads up to the 16th century church, the Trinita dei Monti, and frequent meeting place for tour groups. The view from the top of the steps, which are named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, is one of the best in the city, taking in the piazza below and the tourist-crammed shopping streets of via Condotti and via del Babuino. The piazza itself is notable for the fountain of a half-sunken ship at its center known as the Fontana della Barcaccia, as well as the palace facades and columns that face the square. The long-time home of poet, John Keats also faces the square and has been preserved as a museum also honoring Percy Bysshe Shelley.